BALTIMORE (Diya TV) — A colossal container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, resulting in a catastrophic collapse and loss of life. The aftermath has plunged authorities into a complex recovery effort while raising questions about how this happened.
The collision occurred after 1:30 a.m. Tuesday when the nearly 1,000-foot-long cargo vessel, known as The Dali, struck a critical support pillar of the bridge. The vessel had experienced a power loss shortly before the impact, prompting a distress call. Despite efforts to avert disaster, the bridge buckled, sending portions of it plunging into the frigid waters of the Patapsco River below.
Authorities swiftly initiated search and rescue operations, but the passage of time and adverse conditions led them to transition to a recovery phase. Of the eight individuals who fell into the river, two were rescued, leaving six construction workers still unaccounted for and presumed deceased.
Questions linger about why the vessel veered off course and collided with the bridge. Initial reports suggest a sudden loss of power may have contributed to the collision.
The impact extends beyond the human toll, with the closure of one of the country’s busiest ports raising concerns about economic repercussions. President Biden has pledged federal support for rebuilding efforts, emphasizing the importance of restoring vital infrastructure and safeguarding local economies.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore said a mayday call made by the ship helped stop traffic and prevent more casualties. Moore also credited workers on the ground who were responsive to the mayday call and shut down traffic quickly.
All 22 crew members onboard The Dali, including the two Baltimore port pilots directing the vessel, are Indian citizens. At this time, all indications are that this incident was just a horrible mishap and not terrorism, but a full investigation to get to the root cause is now underway.
